News

Middle Township residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Free Yard Sale initiative.

During the weekend of September 21st,22nd & 23rd, Middle Township residents are able to hold yard sales without a license or fee. At other times of the year, residents must obtain a license through the Township Construction Office as well as remit a $10 fee. The license and fee entitle the registrant to two consecutive dates and a rain date.

“We encourage all Middle Township residents to take advantage of the annual Free Yard Sale weekend,” said Mayor Michael Clark. “This is a great opportunity to get rid of unwanted belongings and mingle with fellow community members. Or if you’re a shopper, this may be the weekend you stumble upon that treasure you’ve been seeking!”

Each property in Middle Township is permitted two yard sales per year and they must be a minimum of 30 days apart. Residents are reminded that no signs for advertising or directions may be placed anywhere other than the premises where the sale is being held.

For more information, contact the Construction Office at (609) 465-8740 or visit www.middletownship.com .

The Middle Township Economic Development Council announces the Annual Restaurant Week in Middle Township.

Middle Township’s Restaurant Week is a six-day promotion that features unique dining options in Middle Township and the surrounding area. Participating restaurants will offer diners discounts on full course menus while smaller eating establishments will offer discounted specials the week of September 23 through September 28. Chefs will prepare delicious menus at mouthwatering prices! All costs are exclusive of tax, beverages and gratuity.

“Middle Township’s Restaurant Week continues to be a huge success. We look forward to adding a few more restaurants to the already great list of restaurants that participate in this annual event,” said Brian Murphy, Chairman of the Economic Development Council. Participating restaurants will be promoted through various media and on the website www.MiddleTownshipRestaurantWeek.com.

During Middle Township’s Restaurant Week, no tickets or special passes are needed. However, reservations are strongly recommended. Contact individual restaurants to make your reservations. Restaurant contact information can be found on the Menu page of the website.

The Mayor of Middle Township, Michael Clark, encourages all residents and visitors alike to live a little and find the taste for their palate at the great restaurants in and around Middle Township. “It is the perfect time to visit a favorite restaurant or try something new,” said Mayor Clark.

The Middle Township Economic Development Council’s mission is to encourage and support business growth within the Township. For more information about Middle Township Economic Development, visit www.MTEconomicDevelopment.com or contact Nancy Sittineri, Economic Development Director, at (609) 465-8731.

The Township of Middle in its quest to recognize local businesses for their support and dedication, has chosen the Rio Grande Shoprite to be the August Business of the Month.

 Shoprite is a charitable sponsor to many of our community events including Township functions, local churches and food banks. “Shoprite has always been there when we needed a hand”, said Mayor Michael Clark. ShopRite of Rio Grande is proud to be a part of the community, and we welcome all our customers into our extended family. Over 80 years ago, Greek immigrants Nick and Perry Sumas opened the very first Village Super Market.  Just under 10 years later, the brothers joined Wakefern ShopRite, becoming one of the cooperative’s earliest members.  As the Sumas family grew, so too did their business, now a publicly-owned company operating 30 ShopRite stores in New Jersey, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania.  The core mission of ShopRite of Rio Grande is to fight hunger in the community we serve.  We have various programs throughout the year to support this mission including the Great American Milk Drive, Partners in Caring, Get a Shot Give a Dollar Flu Shot Campaign, as well as the Holiday Food Donation Bags.  Through our Food Rescue Program, we were able to donate over 1,000,000 pounds of food to local food pantries 2017. In addition to our in-store programs, our associates enjoy various volunteer events throughout the year at the Community Food Bank of NJ in Egg Harbor Twp.  

Shown in the picture left to right are & years of service:

 Bernadette Eichenhofer, Closing Asst. Manager 9 years; Jeff Devico, Deputy Mayor; Michael Clark, Mayor; Steven Vanseeters Store Manager, 26 years;George Fabrizio Asst Manager, 15years; Ray Scaltrito Asst. Store Manager 11 years and Janice DiGaetano Customer Serv. Manager, 27 years.

Middle Township is seeking community members who would like to take part in an effort to study the size and form of the municipal government, with possible recommendations for change.

Middle Township currently has a three-member Township Committee form of government, which has been in place since Middle Township’s incorporation in 1798. The advisory committee, made up of Middle Township residents, will consider whether the Township Committee should be expanded to five members, or whether a different form of government would better serve the community, considering the growth and changes in the Township over the years.

In discharging its task, the advisory committee will consider several factors. They include: the Township’s size and geography; the uniqueness of the many Township communities; the need for each of these communities to be represented in Township government; the complexity and increased responsibilities of local government; the cost and disruption of annual municipal elections; whether voters should directly elect their mayor; and the constraints imposed on a three-member Township Committee by the Open Public Meetings Act.

The Township would like the composition of the advisory committee to reflect all areas of the Township, and to reflect the diversity of its population as well. No experience in government is required. However, members should be registered voters in the Township and willing to meet at least twice per month for up to one year.

This is an opportunity to effectuate meaningful, positive change in how local government operates. More information on the change of government can be found on the New Jersey League of Municipalities website at njslom.org, search for “forms of government”.

Those interested should submit a letter of interest, including reasons for wanting to serve, by September 17^th to:

Elizabeth Terenik, Business Administrator, attention Dawn Stimmel at dstimmel@middletownship.com or mail to 33 Mechanic Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. Residents may, but need not, include a resume. For more information, call (609) 465-8732.

The Lighthouse Church, 1248 Route 9 South in Court House will be the site for a “safe surrender” event September 28th from 9am to 2pm.  Official flyers boldly state “No One Will Be Arrested.”

Billed as Stop Running and Start Living Again, the safe surrender offers individuals with outstanding warrants to safely turn themselves in with no threat of arrest.

The safe surrender program does not provide amnesty, it allows individuals to work with both municipal and Superior Court personnel and judges to resolve outstanding warrants, often on terms more favorable than they could achieve if arrested on the open warrant.

Cape May County has never organized a safe surrender event, but such programs have been effectively used elsewhere in the State.

The September event in Middle Township will allow individuals to resolve most warrants originating in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.

Superior Court warrants will be dealt with, but experience has shown that most people who attend safe surrender events have outstanding municipal warrants.  That complicates the logistics in an area with so many municipal courts.

At the Lighthouse Church event, judges will be available then from Middle Township, Lower Township, Wildwood, West Wildwood and Woodbine.  Individuals with warrants from municipalities that are not listed will have their warrants recalled and receive a new date to appear.

“Proof of attendance” at the safe surrender will be issued allowing individuals with outstanding warrants in Salem, Cumberland and Gloucester counties to safely go to courts in those counties where the warrants will be recalled and new dates issued.

Officials believe that most courts outside those counties will also honor the paperwork, but they cannot guarantee it.

Local public service groups will attend to aid individuals with issues ranging from veteran’s assistance to housing, to substance abuse and legal assistance.

The day’s goal is to resolve problems, help individuals relive themselves of fugitive status, and get the help needed to more confidently look forward without a frequent glance over one’s shoulder.

Works Session:

July 16, 2018 WS

Committee Meeting:

July 16, 2018

Bill List:

Bill List

The Township of Middle in its quest to recognize local businesses for their support and dedication, has chosen Radzieta Funeral Home to be May’s Business of the Month. John and Ann Radzieta have proudly run the town’s only funeral home since 1970. On May 4th, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. “The community has been very good to our Firm and we appreciate their trust”, said John Radzieta, Sr.

The funeral home itself has been in existence since 1850, the Radzieta Family are the 6th owners. In 1961 Mr. Radzieta, Sr. began his career there, at the time named Matlack Funeral Home. In nine short years he and Mrs. Radzieta made it their own. Mrs. Radzieta by trade was a hairdresser. She brought her talents with her and together they have successfully built one of the finest funeral homes in South Jersey. One could also say their spirit of partnership has also created a wonderful

family. Three sons were born of their marriage and all three of them are proud 2nd generation owners. A first of it’s kind since the home’s inception. Mr. Radzieta has proudly served the community in many capacities including service on the local school board, Cape May County 4H Foundation Board, Board of Directors for Sturdy Savings Bank, President of the Kiwanis Club, Trustee for Our Lady of the Angels Church for 28 years and the State Board of Mortuary Science in Newark.

Tony Radzieta is the oldest and he has been married to his wife Beth for 15 years. Together they share 3 children, son Owen age 10, son Aiden age 8 and son Chase is 6. Tony is heavily involved in Cub Scouts Pack 65 CMCH and enjoys coaching Little League Baseball. He is also responsible for the daily operations and the required details that make things run smoothly.

John J. Radzieta is the middle child; he and his wife Dawn have been married for 16 years. They enjoy their children, daughter Julia is 14, son Jacob is 13 and son Matthew is 11. John is a Licensed Funeral Director and in September he will be serving in the New Jersey State Funeral Director Association as 2nd Vice President. He served numerous years on the Board for the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce as well as the Finance Committee and Trustee of Our Lady of the Angels Church. His family is notably involved in Cape Express Soccer.

Martin Radzieta is the youngest and has been married to his wife, Lora for 12 years. Their son Adam is 10 and daughter Ginger at age 8 keep them very busy. Martin proudly sits on the Lay Advisory for Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School. He assists in coaching their basketball team, the Storm, as well as coaching Middle Township Little League Baseball. Martin is also a licensed funeral director and serves in the Music Ministry at St. Joseph’s Church in Sea Isle City.

The family spirit also shows in their long-standing employee retention. Paul Zavocky, Jr. has been a part of the tradition for 36 years. He and his wife Esther just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. They have three daughters, Elaine McGrady, Leslie Pastore and husband Michael, and Donna Garcia and husband Rey; and one grandson, Christian Pastore. He is a member and very involved with the First United Methodist Church in Cape May Court House.

“Mr. Radzieta asked me if I had a black suit one day when I was paying my rent to him, he gave me a job on the spot”, said Mayor Michael Clark. He has been apart of the firm for 22 years. Both gentlemen are beyond proud to be a part of the team and look forward to many more years to come. New to the firm, Aaron Cowan recently graduated from mortuary school and is completing his internship to obtain his license.

The Radzieta Family’s commitment to their community is highly visible as they have sponsored the local Little League for 40 years as well as football, basketball and soccer. They also sponsor a variety community events. “I have a strong belief that the community needs to be supported and the kids are the centerpiece of that”, said John Radzieta, Sr.

Perhaps the fine point is this family-run business is a pillar of the community and is a place where everyone is welcome. They offer a wide range of burial and cremation services as well as pre-arrangements. More information can be found on their website www.radzieta.com.

Middle Township Mayor Michael Clark presents the Business of the Month Award to Jim and Rita Burlaga, Township residents and owners of McDonald’s in Cape May Court House

The Township of Middle in its quest to recognize local businesses for their support and dedication, has chosen the Cape May Court House McDonald’s to be the very first Business of the Month. “McDonald’s is a cornerstone of our community”, said Mayor Michael Clark. Owners, Jim and Rita Burlaga have proudly owned this establishment for 20 years.

In December of 2016 the restaurant underwent a vast upgrade to the interior and exterior of the building. This included all new fixtures from top to bottom, inside and out. However, the upgrades didn’t stop there. New technology has infiltrated into unparalleled customer support and innovation. This is easily experienced through the custom kiosk that provides table service, the fresh flowers on each table and the quality ingredients served. New to the menu is a fresh quarter pounder with cheese that is never frozen, along with organic apple juice and breakfast all day.

Behind the scenes is a dedicated workforce of 40 that is overseen by a long-standing and valued employee, Director of Operations Carol Wygro. She started working for McDonald’s under the ownership of the Burlaga’s in Salem County over 30 years ago. Since that time Ms. Wygro has continued to grow, educate herself and raise a family. She proudly oversees all four McDonald’s held by the Burlaga’s throughout Southern New Jersey. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education yet stays within a company she loves. “McDonald’s takes care of their employees by offering educational Archway Opportunity Scholarships yearly and by offering merit increases twice a year”, said Jim Burlaga.

In fostering good will and community spirit, donations have been made to After-Proms, Christmas in Court House, the After-School Program at the Martin Luther King Center, Fire House drills and so much more. Most recently, you can find our Township Police Officers at McDonald’s for their “Cops and Coffee” program. “We are proud of our community and are thrilled to not only own a business here, but live here as well”, said Rita Burlaga.

Middle Township encourages the public to support all local businesses that are great community partners.